About Hydrogen Embrittlement of SA285 Grade C

1.HIC Steel
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2.Hydrogen embrittlement can cause cracking and reduction in load bearing capacity. Essentially, the HIC test actually tests a sample of steel for its susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement.

3.Hydrogen embrittlement involves the ingress of hydrogen into a component (e.g. pressure vessel, boiler) – a factor which can cause a variety of issues including cracking and a reduction in load bearing capacity. This, in turn, can cause a catastrophic failure which represents a serious threat to any safe working environment.

4.Hydrogen can be introduced into steel during processing, in storage and in welding. It is also produced by corrosion reactions such as rusting. Hydrogen embrittlement is more susceptible in titanium and aluminium alloys and high strength steels. In a sour service environment hydrogen contamination is caused by the presence of hydrogen sulphide (h2s) which creates an electrochemically corrosive reaction.

5.To address the issues surrounding embrittlement, greater emphasis is being placed on steel at the processing stage. Alloys are developed with a higher resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and are HIC tested for hydrogen induced corrosion – all to the very highest testing standards. Controlling the amount of hydrogen that can potentially be picked up in the processing cycle and limiting the possibility for further hydrogen contamination on site, will prolong the life cycle of the component and limit the possibility of cracking and brittle failures.

6.We offer a variety of HIC tested steel grades from stock. To find out more please contact us.